Kat Von D | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #474
Dive into the unique world of Kat Von D on "This Past Weekend," where host Theo Von brings personal insights from the renowned tattoo artist and television personality as she divulges her journey from the Los Angeles spotlight to a quiet life in rural Indiana. Kat, whose Gothic aesthetic has long stood as a symbol of her self-expression, opens up about the transformation of her body art and how tattoo culture's acceptance in society echoes her personal evolution. Her candid revelations offer a glimpse into the role of tattoos in defining identity and the artistic dedication behind her extensively blacked-out skin.
In a heart-to-heart with Theo, Kat also shares the intimate details of her spiritual growth, her publicly declared faith amidst the judgment for her outward appearance, and her valiant 17-year sobriety journey deeply intertwined with religious conviction. The conversation traverses through her restoration of a Victorian mansion, the nuances of goth culture, and her cherished role as a mother homeschooling her son in their newfound haven. Through it all, witness Kat Von D's discussion about the solace found in simplicity, the trials of forging a gothic identity within Christian communities, and the ancestral threads that continue to weave through her present-day life as a devoted parent and artist.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 12, 2023 episode of the This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
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1-Page Summary
Kat's Gothic aesthetic and fashion/appearance
Kat Von D is renowned for her Gothic aesthetic, a reflection of her individuality and style. Her tattoo journey began at age 14, indicating a deep-rooted connection to the inked art form. As tattoos entered mainstream culture, due in part to television shows and celebrity endorsements, Kat's own tattoos have taken a significant transformation, blacking out around 80% of her body, an intricate process with sessions extending up to 40 hours. Her tattoo narrative intertwines with the public's growing acceptance of tattoos as personal expressions.
Kat's move to rural Indiana and her home restoration
Kat moved to rural Indiana and took on the project of restoring a Victorian mansion from 1874, swapping the bustle of Los Angeles for simpler living. Despite limited amenities, Kat finds Indiana to be her haven. This historic home, once a bed and breakfast with connections to the Underground Railroad, is currently undergoing renovations by Kat and her family to preserve its legacy while preparing it as a family dwelling.
Kat's Faith and Religion
Open about her spiritual journey, Kat was raised Christian and has recently deepened her faith. Reconnecting with Christianity as an adult, she has faced criticism due to her Gothic appearance but remains resolute in her faith. Baptized publicly, she enjoys attending church and Bible studies and finds solace in the church community. Her faith plays a significant role in her life, offering guidance and gratitude amid challenges.
Addiction/sobriety
Kat Von D celebrates 17 years of sobriety, acknowledging her past addiction battles and the challenges of overcoming them, like quitting smoking – a habit once embedded in her routine. Both Theo and Kat share the importance of a higher power in their recovery, with divine intervention felt during their lowest points. For Kat, her faith underpins her sobriety journey and provides a source of strength and balance.
Goth culture and people
Discussed goth culture's aesthetic, the association with creativity, and its appeal to those who have experienced trauma or isolation. Choosing an exclusively black wardrobe is representative of this culture, and Kat has faced challenges for her Gothic lifestyle, particularly in Christian settings. Theo and Kat both affirm the bravery required to embrace and celebrate such a distinctive goth identity.
Kat's relationship with her family
Born to a missionary family in South America, Kat's early years were religious and modest. Now, her relationships with her siblings have waned, yet she maintains a special bond with her father, desiring him to move closer to her in Indiana. Her mother, while more distant, enjoys her role as a grandmother.
Kat being a mom
Kat speaks about homeschooling her son in Indiana, a choice facilitated by the state's supportive homeschooling community. Passionate about music from a young age, Kat encourages her son's musical interests, notably his admiration for Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens. Initially, she balanced parenting with a nanny's help but now relishes a nanny-free life, which has positively impacted her relationship with her son. Her son displays an inclination for the spooky and unusual, reflecting the influence of his environment on his interests.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kat Von D's extensive tattoo journey and the transformation of her body art reflect a personal evolution that parallels the increasing societal acceptance of tattoos as forms of self-expression. As Kat's tattoos became more prominent and covered a significant portion of her body, it coincided with a shift in public perception towards viewing tattoos as legitimate and meaningful art forms. This evolution in societal attitudes towards tattoos allowed Kat to embrace her body art more openly and authentically, aligning with the broader cultural shift towards valuing individuality and personal expression through tattoos.
- The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada in the 19th century. Victorian mansions like the one Kat Von D is restoring were sometimes used as stops or hiding places along the Underground Railroad. These historic homes hold significance as symbols of resistance against slavery and as part of the abolitionist movement in the United States.
- Kat Von D's son's spooky and unusual interests are influenced by his environment, which includes his mother's Gothic lifestyle and their rural Indiana home. Growing up surrounded by Gothic aesthetics, such as dark fashion and a Victorian mansion with a historical background, has shaped his preferences for the spooky and unusual. This environment has fostered an appreciation for unconventional and eerie elements, reflecting the unique atmosphere in which he is raised.
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Kat's Gothic aesthetic and fashion/appearance
Kat Von D and her distinct Gothic aesthetic have become an iconic part of her identity, reflecting an ethos of embracing her unique sense of style and individuality.
Tattooing and Kat's tattoo journey
Kat Von D's journey in the world of tattoos began at the tender age of 14. She knew almost immediately that tattooing was her calling and would form a significant part of her life and career.
Starting at a young age, Kat undertook a personal and professional journey into tattooing which evolved with the times. The once niche and subcultural practice of tattooing started to infiltrate the mainstream, helped along by television shows focused on tattoos and tattoo culture. This exposure contributed significantly to the general public's increasing acceptance and interest in tattoos.
Kat also acknowledges the role of celebrities in normalizing tattoos. Figures like Drew Barrymore and Angelina Jolie, known for their own ink, began to shift the public's perception, showcasing tattoos as a form of self-expression rather than markers of rebellion or nonconformity. Furthermore, Kat hints at her involvement in tattooing celebrities, which likely bolstered the trend of tattoos becoming a mainstream fashion statement.
As of now, Kat is in the process of blacking out her tattoos. She shares that she has covered approximately 80% of her body so far, and the process has taken her up to 40 hours. Despite already having numerous tattoos, her plan involves having her entire body covered in dark ink except for certain sections. Theo Von remarks on the intensity of her tattoo sessions, referencing a video showcasing a tool with 40 needles, highlighting the extensive work involved in Kat's current tattoo transformation.
Tattoo TV shows bringing tattoos i ...
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Kat's Gothic aesthetic and fashion/appearance
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kat Von D is a renowned tattoo artist known for her intricate and artistic tattoo designs. She gained fame through her appearances on tattoo-based TV shows, which helped bring tattoo culture into the mainstream. Kat's work with celebrities and her own extensive tattoo collection have played a significant role in shaping the public perception of tattoos as a form of self-expression and art. Her ongoing transformation of blacking out her tattoos has also garnered attention and sparked discussions about the evolving nature of tattooing as a personal and artistic journey.
- Blacking out tattoos involves covering existing tattoos with solid black ink to create a darkened canvas. This process is often chosen to unify the appearance of various tattoos or to start fresh with a new design. Kat Von D's decision to black out her tattoos is a personal choice, reflecting her evolving aesthetic preferences and desire for a cohesive look. The extensive process can take multiple sessions and requires meticulous work to achieve the desired outcome.
- Television shows focused on tattoos played a crucial role in popularizing tattoos by showcasing the art form to a wider audience. These shows helped demystify the tattooing process and presented tattoos as a form of personal expression and art. By bringing tattoo culture into the mainstream, these TV programs contributed significantly to the increased acceptance and interest in tattoos among the general public. The exposure provided by these shows helped shift the perception of tat ...
Counterarguments
- While Kat Von D's Gothic aesthetic is indeed iconic, it's important to note that Gothic fashion and aesthetics have a long history and many individuals contribute to its evolution and popularity.
- Starting a tattoo journey at 14 might be seen as controversial, as it is below the legal age for tattoos in many jurisdictions, which could raise concerns about consent and the permanence of such decisions made at a young age.
- The transition of tattooing into the mainstream is not solely due to TV shows; it's a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various cultural shifts, changes in social attitudes, and the increasing quality and safety of tattooing practices.
- While celebrities have helped normalize tattoos, the acceptance of tattoos varies widely across different cultures, professions, and social groups, and there can still be stigma attached to having tattoos in certain contexts.
- The decision to black out 80% of one's body is a personal choice and may not resonate with everyone; some may view it as extreme or question the long-term implications of such a significant alteration to one' ...
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Kat's move to rural Indiana and her home restoration
Kat shares her story of moving to rural Indiana and embarking on a project to restore an 1874 Victorian mansion, highlighting her motivations and the historical significance of her new home.
Kat buying and restoring an 1874 Victorian mansion
Kat recently moved from California to a rural town in Indiana, inspired by her passion for restoring old Victorian houses. She and her husband purchased a historic mansion built in 1874, which was once a bed and breakfast. Leaving Los Angeles behind was not difficult for Kat and her family; she felt drawn to the simpler life and the unique charm of rural Indiana. Despite the lack of modern conveniences such as sidewalks, Uber, delivery services, and the presence of only one stoplight and a gas station, Kat feels that she and her husband belong there. Although she still travels back to LA to make music with her husband, staying with her best friend Charo, she appreciates returning to her safe haven in Indiana.
The history of the home and previous owners
The property, known locally as the Shank Mansion, has garnered media attention due to Kat's purchase and its storied past, including rumored hauntings. However, Kat herself has not encountered any ghosts. The original builder, Benjamin Franklin Schenk, was notable for his involvement with hay and owning steamboats. The Sch ...
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Kat's move to rural Indiana and her home restoration
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Clarifications
- Benjamin Franklin Schenk, the original builder of the mansion, was known for his involvement in the hay industry and owning steamboats. The Schenk family history is linked to the Underground Railroad, with the mansion having underground tunnels that were used to aid in the escape of enslaved individuals.
- The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada in the 19th century. Some homes, like the Shank Mansion, were believed to have hidden tunnels or rooms that aided in sheltering and moving escaped slaves. The involvement of ...
Counterarguments
- While Kat is drawn to the simpler life in rural Indiana, some might argue that the lack of modern conveniences could pose challenges for others who are accustomed to urban living.
- The dedication to preserving the historical significance of the mansion is commendable, but it may also come with financial and regulatory challenges that could complicate the restoration process.
- The historical connection to the Underground Railroad is significant, but without concrete evidence, such claims should be approached with caution to avoid misrepresenting history.
- The decision to move away from California might be seen as a loss of potential cultural and professional opportunities that a larger city like Los Angeles can offer.
- The absence of ghost encounters in a mansion rumored to be haunted could be disappointing to those who are interested in the paranormal aspect of its history.
- Not livi ...
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Kat's Faith and Religion
Kat Von D openly shares her faith journey, from her religious upbringing to finding her way back to faith as an adult, which includes getting baptized, attending church, and participating in Bible study.
Kat's Religious Upbringing
Kat Von D was raised with Christianity during her childhood, attending church frequently. This early experience set the foundation for her spiritual life, though she later gained a different understanding of her faith than she had as a child.
Kat's Journey Back to Faith as an Adult
In the last five years, Kat has reconnected with her faith. She discusses her relationship with God and her continual desire to learn and understand her faith deeper. Despite facing criticism and being labeled "demonic" by others due to her appearance, which deviates from how some expect a Christian to look, Kat maintains her commitment to her beliefs and spiritual journey. She also draws parallels between her life and the biblical character Job, finding strength in her faith amidst personal challenges and committing to living in a state of gratitude.
Getting Baptized
Discussing her baptism, Kat becomes emotional when reflecting on the video of the event. Although she received some criticism for sharing her baptism publicly, this milestone signifies a meaningful moment in her path of faith.
Attending Church and Bible Study
Kat expresses her enjoyment of her church community, her anticipation for Sundays service and for choir practice on Thursdays. The sense of family sh ...
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Kat's Faith and Religion
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kat Von D, born Katherine von Drachenberg, is a well-known tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and television personality. She gained fame through her appearances on the reality TV show "Miami Ink" and later on her own show, "LA Ink." Kat is also recognized for her makeup brand, Kat Von D Beauty, which she later rebranded as KVD Vegan Beauty. Known for her distinctive style and outspoken personality, Kat has been open about her struggles and triumphs in various aspects of her life, including her faith journey and personal beliefs.
- Kat Von D draws parallels between her life and the biblical character Job. Job is known for his unwavering faith in God despite facing immense suffering and challenges. By identifying with Job, Kat finds strength in her faith journey, seeing parallels in how she navigates personal struggles while maintaining her belief in God's presence and guidance. This comparison helps Kat stay resilient and committed to her faith, even in the face of criticism and adversity.
- Kat's emotional response to her baptism video reflects the deep significance of the event in her spiritual journey. The act of baptism symbolizes a public declaration of her faith and commitment to her beliefs. Watching the video may have stirred up strong emotions as it captured a pivotal moment of her reconnecting with her faith as an adult. This emotional reaction showcases the personal and profound impact that the act of baptism had on Kat Von D.
- Kat Von D's involvement in church activities, such as attending services and participating in Bible study, is crucial to her spiritual growth and sense of community. She values the support and co ...
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Addiction/sobriety
Theo Von and Kat Von D share their deeply personal experiences with addiction, the challenges they faced while quitting, and how finding meaning through faith has been an integral part of their sobriety.
Kat being 17 years sober
Kat Von D openly discusses her addiction journey, indicating that experimentation spiraled into her existence. She talks about realizing she couldn't manage addiction on her own, surrendering to the need for help. Over the years, she has worked on changing the parts of her personality that yearned for excess, moving towards balance.
Theo and Kat both bring up the significance of their relationships with a higher power. Theo mentions attending 12-step meetings, while Kat reflects on seeing God's interventions in her life, which have been pivotal in her long-term sobriety.
The difficulty of quitting smoking
Quitting smoking was particularly challenging for Kat Von D. She describes her life revolving around cigarettes—taking breaks every few hours during tattoo sessions to smoke. Even in sobriety, she speaks about never discussing the immense difficulty of giving up cigarettes, usually focusing on her drug addiction experience, highlighting how ingrained the habit had become. At her peak, she was buying cartons and smoking a cigarette every thirty minutes.
Using substances to cope with emotions
Kat Von D recalls a shift in her drug use, moving from social contexts to solitary use, suggesting an emotionally driven abuse of substances. Likewise, Theo Von recognizes vaping a ...
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Addiction/sobriety
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- 12-step meetings are gatherings based on a program that helps individuals recover from addiction. These meetings follow a structured format and are often led by individuals who have experience with the program. Participants share their struggles, progress, and support each other in maintaining sobriety. The 12 steps are principles for personal growth and recovery from addiction, emphasizing self-awareness, acceptance, and spiritual development.
- Menthol is a compound commonly used in products like cigarettes and vaping devices to provide a cooling sensation. It is known for its minty flavor and soothing properties. In the context of the text, "menthols" most likely refers to menthol-flavored cigarettes, particularly popular among smokers for the minty taste and perceived smoothness.
- Divine presence typically relates to the belief that a higher power, such as God, can be felt or experienced in a profound way by individuals. It often involves a sense of spiritual connection, comfort, or guidance that individuals attribute to the presence of a divine being in their lives. This presence can manifest through feelings of peace, reassurance, or a sense of being supported during challenging times. It is a concept found in various religious and spiritual traditions, emphasizing the idea that the divine can interact with and influence human experiences.
- Spir ...
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Goth culture and people
Kat Von D and Theo Von delve into the distinct goth culture, discussing its aesthetic, the isolation that often leads individuals to it, and the bravery it takes to embrace this distinctive lifestyle.
Signature goth aesthetic and style
Embracing the gothic look
Kat Von D emblematically touches upon the goth aesthetic through her personal journey. She recounts a moment when she purged her wardrobe of color, opting instead to exclusively embrace wearing black—a hallmark of the goth style. This deliberate choice reflects a common transition towards a gothic aesthetic within the culture.
Public perception and reaction
Kat addresses the challenges she faces from those who struggle to understand her gothic lifestyle, especially within Christian communities. The contrast between her unique style and what she perceives as the homogeneity of larger church congregations is something she finds noteworthy. Despite negative feedback or accusations of serving "two masters," Kat stands firm in her preferences stating simply, "I just like what I like."
Childhood isolation leading people to goth culture
Theo Von hints at a depth beneath the goth exterior, associating goth women with creativity and art. Kat expands on this perception by linking her attraction to the goth aesthetic with trauma. She admits to being drawn to things that are "not conventionally happy," with a preference for music and other forms that represent trauma over happiness.
Bravery in being different
Recognizing individuality and courage
Theo offers compliments to Kat for her courageous style choices, proposing that it's brave to stand out with a unique gothic style. Though Kat doesn't elaborate, ...
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Goth culture and people
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kat Von D, born Katherine von Drachenberg, is a Mexican-American tattoo artist, TV personality, and entrepreneur known for her work on the reality show LA Ink. She is recognized for her unique style and contributions to the beauty industry through her brand KVD Vegan Beauty. Theo Von is a comedian and podcaster who has discussed goth culture with Kat Von D, exploring topics like the goth aesthetic, individuality, and bravery in embracing a distinctive lifestyle.
- Gothic architecture in Prague is characterized by structures like the St. Vitus Cathedral, known for its intricate spires and detailed stone carvings. Prague's Gothic architecture showcases elements like pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, typical of the Gothic style prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. The city's architectural landscape, including buildings like the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, reflects a rich history of Gothic influence. Prague's Gothic structures contribute to the city's unique charm and historical signi ...
Counterarguments
- While Kat Von D's transition to wearing exclusively black is a common narrative within goth culture, not all individuals who identify with the goth scene feel the need to adhere strictly to this color scheme, and some incorporate colors into their wardrobe while still considering themselves part of the goth community.
- The challenges Kat faces from Christian communities might not be universal; there are individuals within religious communities who are accepting of gothic lifestyles and there may be goths who are themselves practicing Christians, demonstrating that goth culture and religious beliefs are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
- The association of goth women with creativity and art, while often true, could be seen as a stereotype that overlooks the diversity within the goth community, where individuals have a wide range of interests and professions.
- The preference for music and forms that represent trauma over happiness is not unique to goth culture; many people from various backgrounds and cultures may be drawn to art that explores darker themes without identifying as goth.
- The idea that adopting a goth appearance is inherently bold can be challenged by the notion that for some, it may not be a matter of bravery but rather a natural expression of their personality or aesthetic ...
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Kat's relationship with her family
Growing up in a religious missionary family
In discussing her background, Kat shares that she was born in South America while her father was a missionary for the church, building hospitals in small towns that lacked proper medical facilities. Her family's life was modest, grounded in their faith, and church attendance was a frequent part of their routine.
Strained relationships with siblings
Despite her family's close-knit beginnings, Kat reveals that her relationship with her siblings is not as strong. She discloses that she has two siblings she no longer speaks to, even though they reside in the same state.
Wanting her dad to move close by
Kat has a special bond with her father, evidenced by her hiring him as the contractor for her new place. This act not only implies ...
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Kat's relationship with her family
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- Hiring her father as a contractor for her new place signifies Kat's trust in his work skills and a desire to maintain a close relationship with him. It shows a special bond between them and a way for Kat to involve her father in an important aspect of her life. This decision may also reflect a sense of family unity and a way for Kat to support her father's expertise and craftsmanship.
- Kat's desire for her father to move onto the same land with her in Indiana stems from her special bond with him and her wish to maintain closeness. By hiring hi ...
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Kat being a mom
Kat Von D shares her experiences of motherhood, detailing her decision to homeschool her son, fostering his interest in music, and balancing the dynamics of parenting.
Decision to homeschool her son
Kat Von D explains that she chose to homeschool her son, partly due to the supportive homeschooling environment in Indiana, which contributed to her decision to move there. As her son has turned five, she is gearing up for more formal schooling at home.
Inspiring a love of music in her son
Kat, who was classically trained on the piano from a young age, has always had a deep connection with music. This love for music seems to have inspired her son as well. Kat reveals that her son is a big fan of Billy Idol, and particularly the guitarist Steve Stevens. He even has a plastic red guitar and enjoys imitating Steve Stevens' expressions, indicating his enthusiasm for music. Kat also sent a video to Steve Stevens of her son pretending to be him, showcasing his budding interest in the art form.
Balancing parenting solo vs. having a nanny
Kat discusses her initial circumstances of parenting, where she didn't have the luxury of a closely-knit family to help out, leaving her and her husband to care for their son by themselves. They managed by having a nanny assist them during working hours from nine to five so Kat could focus on her work. However, after a move that resulted in the absence of her nanny, Kat discovered the joys of being a full-ti ...
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Kat being a mom
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kat Von D, whose full name is Katherine von Drachenberg, is a well-known tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and television personality. She gained fame through her appearances on the reality TV show "Miami Ink" and later starred in her own show, "LA Ink." Kat is also a successful makeup artist and founder of the cosmetics brand Kat Von D Beauty, known for its bold and edgy products.
- The word "ravishing" used by the son to compliment his mother indicates that he found her extremely attractive or delightful in a charming and captivating way. It suggests that the son has a rich vocabulary and is able to express his admiration for his mother in a sophisticated manner. The choice of such a word showcases the son's growing language skills and his ability to articulate his feelings in a nuanced way. The son's use of "ravishing" reflects his appreciation for his mother's beauty or a ...
Counterarguments
- Homeschooling may limit social interaction with peers, which is an important aspect of a child's development.
- While fostering an interest in music is beneficial, it's important to ensure that children are exposed to a wide range of activities to help them discover their own passions and talents.
- Relying on a nanny for childcare is a valid choice for many working parents, and having a nanny does not necessarily detract from the quality of parenting or the parent-child relationship.
- Finding and caring for a wild animal like a squirrel can be a complex issue involving wildlife rehabilitation experts, and it's important to follow local laws and best practices for the welfare of the animal.
- Using the word "ravishing" to compliment someone might be seen as unusual for a young child and could be a reflection of the unique vocabulary he is exposed to at home.
- An interest in spooky things can be a normal part ...
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